HI Contemporary Arts Exhibit 2017
Coming Together Over Isolation- Kanani Daley
Contemporary art is an evolving, responsive, visual essay of today, engaging the intuition and discerning perception of both the artist and the viewer. Diverse and pluralistic, art reflects a society and its relevant issues, a cultural dialogue of personal identity, community, and nationality.
Juror Patricia Salmon, Hilo resident and a long-time member of the Hawaii arts community, is a former gallerist and well-known specialist in early 20th century painting. Salmon, a generous juror, made this year’s exhibition highly inclusive and the gallery full and diverse.
This culturally plural exhibition, an exploration of the theme “isolation” and its relevance personally and interpersonally, includes works from international and local artists.The EHCC has invited artists from Italy, the West Coast, and the Midwest to counterpoint our island artists. The imagery challenges traditional boundaries: some works appropriate cultural myths to probe the ethical and social values we accept today; some challenge comfortable, familiar perceptions with surreal and abstract imagery.
The breadth of works entered reflect contemporary topics in a pluralistic voice with both seriousness and humor. The exhibition’s theme of -- Isolation -- illustrates how that which separates us is bound to that which brings us together.
Awards will be given for Literary Excellence, Aesthetic Harmony, and Conceptual Potency.
Works from: Patrick O'kiersey, Jack Reilly, Faith Cloud, Carl Gouveia, Joseph Ruesing, Joseph Okonek, Charlene Asato, Tobias Brill, Paul F. Yount, Clifford Tanaka, Kevin Diminyatz, Kellie Miyazu, Joy Ray, Shay Hachiya, Rick Strini, John Strohbehn, Daniela Schmid, Kristine Johnson, Gina Hartig Williams.
With Invited Artists: Mary-Louise Totton, Stephen Lang, Tara Cronin, Giorgio Majno, Angie Flanagan.